Featured
Maldives Coral Institute to hold Coral Festival 2023 in Hithadhoo

The Maldives Coral Institute (MCI) will host a ‘Coral Festival 2023’ in Addu, Hithadhoo from 28-30 April, bringing together scientists, NGOs, politicians, environmentalists, and members of the public to celebrate the Maldives’ coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
The Festival, held over three days, will feature prominent Maldivian and international scientists and marine experts for discussions and workshops about corals and how best to protect them in the era of climate change. The festival will also include music, culture, art and Southern food, as well as shops, interactive stalls, and games and activities for children.
The Festival will be held at the Maldives National University campus in Hithadhoo, and entrance is free.
Speaking about the Festival, MCI vice-chairperson Aya Naseem said: “We cannot hope to protect our coral reef ecosystems unless we understand and appreciate them. This is what this festival is all about, promoting a love and understanding of corals.”
Aya said that while the Festival will include scientific themed workshops, the majority of festival events are aimed at the general public and children so that everybody can participate.
The first two days of the Festival will take place at the MNU campus, with the third and final day dedicated to excursions, including a chance to dive with manta rays, visit and snorkel off Addu’s UNESCO nature park, and visit Hulhumeedhoo and its nature park.
Held just a few months before the 2023 presidential election, the Coral Festival will also provide an opportunity for members of the public to hear from different politicians about their plans for environmental protection. Leaders from all the major political parties have been invited to the Festival.
MCI last held a coral festival in early 2020, just before the pandemic. The 2020 festival took place in Kaafu, Thulusdhoo, and brought together the local community, scientists, NGOs, environmental activists, ocean experts, schoolchildren and university students, industry representatives, artists, and the country’s top politicians, including President Ibrahim Solih, President Nasheed, cabinet ministers, and senior President’s Office officials.
The Coral Festival 2023 is being held in conjunction with Maldives National University. Sponsors include: National Democratic Institute, Waitt Institute, Noo Raajje, Soneva, Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts, Equator Village, Pebbles, and Maldivian airlines.
Highlights from the 2020 festival can be viewed here: https://www.maldivescoral.org/events/coral-festival-2020
Awards
Ifuru Island Maldives wins Best Premium All-Inclusive Resort at Golden Travel Awards 2025

Ifuru Island Maldives has been officially named Best Premium All-Inclusive Resort Maldives 2025 by the prestigious Golden Travel Award, recognising the resort’s exceptional guest experience and innovative all-inclusive offering. The resort distinguished itself through its commitment to redefining the premium all-inclusive concept with a bold combination of curated adventures, gourmet dining, and a true sense of luxury.
Marcel Sawyer, General Manager of Ifuru Island Maldives, expressed pride in the recognition, noting that it celebrates the dedication and passion the team invests in creating unforgettable moments for every guest. He emphasised that the resort’s experience is designed to offer guests the freedom to relax, explore, and feel truly at home, all within the comforts of a premium all-inclusive package.
Ifuru Island Maldives has quickly established a strong reputation with its thoughtfully crafted ‘Exclusively Yours’ Premium All-Inclusive package. With a fresh approach to luxury and authenticity, the resort continues to resonate with modern travellers who seek both comfort and meaningful connections.
This acknowledgment from the Golden Travel Award further solidifies Ifuru Island’s growing reputation as one of the Maldives’ most distinctive and experience-driven destinations.
Featured
Float & Flow Yoga debuts at Holiday Inn Kandooma Maldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives now offers guests a unique wellness activity: Float & Flow Yoga. Set amidst the picturesque surroundings of crystal-clear waters, this innovative session blends balance, movement, and mindfulness on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), fostering a joyful connection with nature.
Designed to accommodate both experienced yogis and beginners, Float & Flow Yoga provides a 60-minute session on the resort’s SUP Yoga Dock. This specially designed floating platform, shaped like a flower, features eight “petals,” each securing a SUP board around a central space designated for the instructor. Participants are guided through gentle yoga sequences that emphasise balance, breath, and flow.
Courtney Chambers, the resident Yoga Instructor at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, describes the activity as a joyful and liberating experience. She notes that SUP yoga encourages participants to embrace the playful side of the practice while reconnecting with nature.
Classes take place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:00 am, with a maximum of eight participants per session to maintain an intimate and supportive atmosphere. A minimum of three guests is required for each session. The class fee is priced at US$45 per person, inclusive of taxes and service charges.
Additionally, a professional drone photo and video package is available for US$25 per person, providing guests with a memorable keepsake of their experience.
Participants are advised to wear comfortable swimwear or yoga attire and to arrive 10 minutes early at the Perfect Wave Surf Shop for a pre-session briefing.
Whether the goal is mindfulness, gentle movement, or simply a splash of fun, Float & Flow Yoga at Kandooma offers an unforgettable opportunity to reconnect with both self and sea.
Featured
Five-course Indian fine dining by Atrangi to feature at Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s June pop-up

Jumeirah Olhahali Island has announced an exclusive culinary pop-up in collaboration with Atrangi by Ritu Dalmia, the renowned Indian restaurant located at Jumeirah Al Qasr in Dubai. Scheduled from 7 to 12 June 2025, this special event will feature Atrangi’s Head Chef, Aniket Chatterjee, who will partner with the resort’s culinary team to present a refined five-course dining experience. This unique collaboration aims to reinterpret regional Indian dishes through a contemporary perspective.
Atrangi, inspired by the vision of acclaimed chef and restaurateur Ritu Dalmia, is celebrated for its bold and eclectic approach to Indian cuisine. Ritu Dalmia, a self-taught chef, began her culinary journey by launching Delhi’s first standalone Italian restaurant at just twenty-two. Over the years, she has established a portfolio of acclaimed restaurants across India and Europe, earning her widespread recognition in the culinary world. Representing her creative vision in the Maldives, Chef Aniket Chatterjee brings a modern sensibility and a profound respect for Indian culinary traditions, promising a dining experience that is both sophisticated and soulful.
For this special occasion, Chef Aniket has curated a bespoke menu that masterfully blends traditional Indian techniques with global influences. Guests will be treated to intimate oceanfront dinners and relaxed beach grills under the stars, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian tasting menus available.
The dining journey will commence with a playful twist on the nostalgic chilli cheese toast, followed by pickled doodhi and smoked dahi. Main course offerings include Malvani chicken tikka with confit garlic, or for vegetarians, paneer peeli mirch tikka accompanied by spring onion curry. A whipped butter board will serve as a palate cleanser before guests savour dishes such as kappa meen curry or satu pulao with dalma, parwal, and burnt tomato chutney, celebrating the rich diversity of Indian flavours. The meal will conclude with an indulgent Indian sweet, followed by mignardise featuring pistachio soan papdi and a mini jalebi with rabri.
Chef Ritu Dalmia expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “The Maldives has always been a special country for me, having visited several times. It is a thrill to bring Atrangi to Jumeirah Olhahali Island, where we can showcase community-inspired dishes while celebrating the best produce the Maldives has to offer.”
The beach grill dinner at Shimmers Beach on 10 June will be priced at USD 225 plus taxes per person. On other evenings, the five-course set menu will be served at a designated ocean-view location for USD 195 plus taxes per person.
-
Featured1 week ago
Summer Island Maldives named among top 10% of hotels worldwide by TripAdvisor
-
Cooking1 week ago
Exquisite culinary journey awaits at Cinnamon Velifushi’s Marlin
-
News1 week ago
Exclusive private island escape at Intercontinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
-
Awards1 week ago
Amilla Maldives celebrates recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards 2025
-
Awards7 days ago
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives recognised among ‘Reader’s Favourite Overseas Hotels’ by Travel + Leisure China 2024
-
News1 week ago
Siyam World Maldives achieves multiple wins in Tripadvisor 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards
-
Family7 days ago
Family Eid moments at Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa
-
News7 days ago
Sanctuary for her at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru